Chapter 296: World Tree Amrita
The timing of the Lakewater Tears arrival at the world tree Amrita could not have been more resplendent.
Five days after setting out across the lake, and then switching to a river-boat, they came upon the sight of the world tree against a fiery orange sky, its still-green branches spreading into the air as they rustled, their edges greyed just a bit by accumulated ash, which seemed not to harm the tree at all as it flourished amidst a world that was rapidly turning grey-white with dirty snow, where it wasn’t brown.
As far as everyone knew, "Kir" spent the boat ride seasick, part of minimizing his appearances while bringing Stella up to speed on everything that was expected for the class.
"Just remember to have Moshui or Kordia explain basic magic questions and don’t say anything suggestive." Was Kir’s parting advice to Stella.
Moshui was also in his cabin, and she raised her hand. "Am I still allowed to run tests on them if you can’t be there?"
"Yes. Stella and Kordia will watch you," Kir replied. "I’ll catch up to you after midnight."
The sudden change of plans wrought by Kir’s loss of his glamour meant that he was now taking over Stella’s role of escorting her harem to Lumin’s friend - whose manor was coincidentally one floor up from the lodging that had been arranged for the students.
Once he slipped out, initially hiding amidst the luggage and carried by the variously disguised cubi, who kept giggling and passing him little touches, Kir led them up the tree, using his Adventurer’s Guild badge as cover. He got some looks for being demonkin, but then more than a few surprised blinks at his onyx-black marker for magic.
I should get this updated... once things settle down. Kir thought about how great it would have been to be an actual adventurer... without anyone specifically trying to kill him.
It was hard for him not to gaze about in wonder as he ascended. Navigating the tree was relatively simple, despite its massive size and the numerous floors that had been carved into and built out from its five to six-kilometer-wide trunk. Those going up were encouraged to use the outer parts of the main road, which was set every ten or so meters with massive windows that offered commanding views of the farmlands, pastures, and orchards outside the city.
Thankfully, there were also elevators operated exclusively by mavens who specialized in manipulating forces to produce lift - or in the case of the elevator Kir and his group took, producing anti-gravity.